Stage 4 cancer is an advanced cancer. That means the cancer has spread to different areas of your body. Treatment options depend on the type of cancer and may be able to slow the growth of the cancer and improve quality of life.
Most cancer is often described in terms of stages. These stages are usually grouped numerically from 0 to 4, with stage 4 being an advanced cancer. Stages offer information about a cancer’s size, location, how far it has spread, and whether it has affected nearby organs or tissues.
Cancer stages are determined by using physical exams, imaging scans, and other tests that can offer information about a cancer’s status.
A cancer’s stage can also help a medical team decide on a course of treatment and determine how successful a certain treatment might be. For example, an early stage cancer might respond best to surgery and radiation, while a stage 4 cancer might respond better to chemotherapy or targeted therapy.
While cancer staging is important, many factors will affect your outlook. Your age and overall health, how the cancer responds to treatment, and the characteristics of specific cancers all play a role in the outcome.